Casting of the new Star Trek movie prequel (XI) continues with Shaun of the Dead star Simon Pegg to play a young Scotty, newcomer Anton Yelchin to play Chekov, Zoe Saldana (Pirates of the Caribbean) as Communications Officer Uhura, and Australian actor Eric Bana (Troy, Hulk) the new Star Trek Villain Nero.

A rumour that Russell Crowe was to be the villain turned out to be just that.

Apparently the Star Trek prequel follows on directly from the original Star Trek TV series, with a plot by Nero (whoever he is) to assassinate Kirk, and early scenes featuring the first meeting of Kirk and Spock at Star Fleet Academy. However, story details are closely guarded, so it's all plot speculation at this stage.

British actor Simon Pegg seems like an ideal choice as a young chief engineer Montgomery "Scotty", originally played by James Doohan in the TV series. The interaction between Scotty and Captain Kirk was a rich source of humour.

Simon Pegg first made a name for himself in the UK comedy series Spaced, and recently wrote and starred in the police satire Hot Fuzz, which followed the impressive comedy/horror Shaun of the Dead, a film that turned the Zombie genre on its head (or at least blew it off). His next films are Run Fat Boy Run and How To Lose Friends and Alienate People.

The relatively unknown Chris Pine (Smokin' Aces) is rumoured to be in talks to star as Captain Kirk, while Karl Urban (Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Riddick) will possibly play Leonard "Bones" McCoy, originally played by DeForest Kelley.

As previously reported Zachary Quinto (the evil guy from Heroes) and Leonard Nimoy (the original actor) will play Spock at various ages.

Still waiting on news regarding who will play the fencing and ancient weapons enthusiast lieutenant Hikaru "Sulu".

Star Trek XI is expected to reach cinemas 25 December 2008.

Russell Crowe in Star Trek?

Star Trek prequel with Kirk and Spock

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